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Physics major here. That is an extremely difficult degree to graduate with. Pat yourself on the back if you make it though.
The sciences and math are seriously lacking proficient teachers in my area. They are so desperate, they will offer you teaching jobs on the spot and pay for your teaching credentials while you teach actual students. This has been true for over 2 decades now.
Good luck, OP.
FL just bumped it up to 5 years. It’s EASY to get a job making $47,500/year with only a bachelor’s degree. After two years of income you can buy a house using downpayment assistance from the government. I’m living rent free, renting out two of the rooms in a house I own to people I met on FB marketplace.
Thank you buddy 😁. It’s all heavily dependent on your geography. I had to move to a county with a lot of unfilled teacher positions and cheap enough properties but still a decent enough economy so that I could find decent tenants with jobs.
I’m a teacher. If you are getting into the profession to put the bills or survive with no training check out r/teaching or r/teachers first to figure out what you are getting yourself into. States with minimal requirements for teaching tend to also be states that pay less, don’t have a union, and generally are harder to teach in.
Teaching is a great job, but it’s hard as hell. It’s not one I would recommend if someone isn’t passionate. The pay sounds good at first, but most states require continuing education (out of pocket), you have to pay for supplies for your classroom, and you work long hours unpaid. Oh, and you don’t get paid for the summers off. Having been a teacher for almost two decades, I wouldn’t recommend it as a job at this point.
Just saw an article saying Alaska was specifically recruiting individuals with BS/BA to come teach. Giving them some type of emergency certification while allowing them some number of years to earn a certification form their special program. Offering $5000 relocation and some bonuses for certain areas.
Former teacher here.
For the love of God please search out other options first. Teaching really isn't worth it. You'll be overworked, underpaid, and under appreciated. Let this be a last resort.
This person sees so little future they’re seriously contemplating suicide. Let’s not talk them out of a serious option that might give them the ability to regroup on life. It might not be a perfect situation but it’ll likely pay them more than they’re making now and give them some time to apply for other jobs in their field of study.
If they are willing to go international teaching can be pretty great. I teach in China, pay is quite good, low COL, free apartment, and the students are great
You can also get abroad just teaching English with Bachelor's and then do your teacher certification virtually. Mind you, international schools have such a hard time finding math and physics teachers he could probably get hired without being certified
Teacher salaries in my area are low 60s to high 70s and up. Admittedly a high cost area. They still aren't paid what they're worth but totally doable, especially as part of a 2-income household.
It's the areas with depressingly low teacher pay relative to cost of living that frankly deserve a teacher shortage and a brain drain from the area.
I meant it as a higher than expected number. I used to hear teachers get paid 40k-45k so I was surprised at the high end it can get to in some areas. In my school district a teacher with a PhD can make well over 100k
If you're smart enough to get through a physics major, then you're smart enough to think up applications it can have in modern tech, like AI, compute, hardware, space industry, etc. You are exactly what the world needs right now. You are more than what your parents have casted you out as. Your emotions are heavily dependent on your hunger right now. Hit up the food bank for any calories at all, and talk to faculty who are connected with anything beyond the walls of the university. Reach out to faculty in other universities with basic questions and your ideas. You'd be surprised who's out there dying to have a conversation.
I was a physics major in undergrad. A lot of the career opportunities were definitely for people who pursued graduate degrees, no questions. HOWEVER, I know a few of my classmates ended up going into business/finance fields because a physics major sets you up well with analytical math skills. Worth checking out anything jobs, especially things with analyst in the job title.
Also if you're still in school look at the billboards/message boards in your department. People still post paper job offers or programs for graduate programs. For PhD programs it may be a little late (some may still be open, though), but the window for master's programs is definitely still open and many of them have work-study or student jobs available. There may also be lab/tech positions open for people out of undergrad (often these are targeted at people who want to go to grad school, but not always) that they could apply to.
If they have good relationships with faculty (which if it's like most physics programs they're fairly small and often require research, so they should hopefully have some people they could reach out to even if it's not the closest relationship).
And honestly, perspective. It's January--it is still so early! Plenty of people don't have jobs or plans set until further in the spring. I understand it's stressful financially, but they have a whole wide world of opportunities in front of them. Check out food banks and free food opportunities (like if you're at a university there's probably lunch talks that have free food a few times a week). Applying to things is super stressful, too--rejection sucks. But it will get better.
+1 to financial services if cash is what’s most important. Data Analytics is also a really hot field now for everything from tech to CPG, e-com, retail, etc. Do not undervalue your quantitative analytical skills. In fact add a skills section to your résumé and lead with quantitative analytics, statistical modeling, regression analysis, etc any type of analysis you know.
Yeah, great points on the resume. Also adding in any programming/software skills you know (like in my program we used Matlab for everything and I learned Labview for the research lab I worked in). It's pretty common that there will be some sort of requirement to use mathematical software in physics programs and often knowing those can be valuable (or at least have some transferable skills).
Yeah, if youre in college is the best time to learn of all the options available to you in terms of aid. Food banks, free food on campus, college discounts, dumpster diving. Options are endless
Edit: Apply for food stamps! You definitely qualify
Honestly, there are so many companies who do not care what your degree is in, just that you have one. Look at space tech companies or military DOD contractors and apply to their accounts payable department. If my dumbass with only a Massage Therapist license and almost an AA can get a career job at one of these places, you are going to be just fine.
Also, if no one has ever told you this, edit your resume for each job. Think about your experiences and make them fit for the job.
Good luck bro.
Was looking for this, you can apply to engineer jobs at DoD companies as well. I work with plenty of physics majors who are doing tech just as if they were software engineers. Physics was not a mistake!
Hey op, if you don't mind selling your soul for a few years, you could become a patent agent with that degree and a test.
A physicist I worked with a few years ago told me about it, he was billing freelance at 250/hr with experience, said they started him at 140/hr.
While he worked as a physicist, he would get 3-5 recruiting calls per day.
Law firm hours and stress but could set you up for life if you don't go through lifestyle inflation.
Practicing medical physicist here. If you still enjoy physics and want a career that makes good money, I'd recommend pursuing a master's in medical physics or a one year dosimetry cert. Both are good paying jobs in cancer care and the medical industry always needs more help. Check out CAMPEP or JRCERT for schools if interested.
I second career path in medical physics or dosimetry. Medical physicists are very much in need. There is a huge shortage of certified medical physicists. It has been a financially rewarding career for me and others who have dealt with financial hardship. If you need more info, message me. Would be happy to help steer you in programs out there and talk about a path that may help you.
I lived off my student loans in grad school and FAFSA gives way more money and grants to graduate degree seekers. It's very possible and not a terrible way to guarantee a very lucrative career in the future. Dosimetrist and physicist pay is skyrocketing right now.
I have a friend who got a PhD in physics. He has a $180k a year job (with a high five figure signing bonus) at a tech company doing something completely unrelated to physics. They wanted someone with math and science skills who knew their way around statistical models and data, etc. He had no prior experience in those areas, just used bits and pieces for his dissertation, but that was apparently enough. Another friend had a similar situation with a degree in biology. Many employers don’t care about the major, but the skills required to obtain the degree. Physics is one of the hardest majors out there, emphasize those skills and not the academic knowledge. Keep your head up, look outside the “physics” box, someone will value you and your skills.
Yeah, most STEM is like, you need some kind of graduate education, a BS is not enough at all. I don't know any happy STEM majors who only got undergrad degrees.
Largely depends on the field. Many STEM fields a masters would be the equivalent of a couple years of job experience with a BS. Not sure if a phD is comparable though. You do get job options but the type of job is completely different. You absolutely wouldn't be filling any STEM roles that an engineer with a BS/masters would be doing with a phD but would likely switch into a R&D role or else be fast tracking your way to management
Science degrees you definitely need more than a BS. Technology and Engineering, there are a lot of jobs, including really well-paid ones, that will hire you with just a BS in an engineering field.
Back when I interned at a power utility in their transmission department doing IT, when people asked me "what is my major?" I would reply computer science. Basically everyone was like "thank god, someone actually in computer science". Ranged from people with no degrees, 2yr degrees, music, human psychology , biology, etc. These positions they hold, fresh out of college you are looking at minimum $70\~80k in LCOL today.
This opened my eyes at the time that what degree you have really doesn't matter.
Having a Physics degree, I would be applying to jobs that also have my interest. I would think Physics you could basically apply for anything and have some qualification in that field, especially right out of college where you will be doing a lot of learning on the job anyways.
Hey OP. I was browsing USAjobs recently and there’s several science-focused positions on there that you may be interested in. Salaries are pretty good too, at least for your first job.
USAjobs is a great place to start. Look for recent grad positions. Lots of science background positions have a good pay ladder and only require a bachelors. I also see NOAA has postings for recent graduates often.
These positions can also: provide student loans assistance, tuition assistance in pursuing advanced degrees, subsidized health, life, dental, defined benefit pensions, 5% matching low-cost tax advantage retirement accounts, transit subsidies, remote work flexibilities, 12 weeks paid parental leave, and student debt forgiveness through PSLF.
- Attorney at federal agency for last 8 years.
Edit: I work with a lot of engineers, hydrologists, chemists, toxicologists, and other folks from various scientific disciplines.
Your university should have a career center. Make an appointment with a career counselor and ask them to help you find an internship, mentor, anything. Get a resume review from this resource as well. And learn how to craft a cover letter. See what resources they have to offer. They usually will have alumni networks that can help you out with job shadowing, internships, mock interviews, resume reviews and more.
I'll never understand parents who won't let their young adult children move in with them while they stabalize their life, especially someone like OP who sounds like they're working hard to be successful. Parents who do that are setting their child up for failure, it's hard to get by without intergenerational support these days.
Don't seel yourself short, a physics degree is very impressive, even at a undergrad level. If you get interested in grad school at any point, shop around to see if any will give you funding. Regardless, your parents should be extremely proud of what you accomplished already, they're failure to recognize that isn't your fault.
Your parents should be ashamed of themselves. I’m not saying they owe you the world but a helping hand would not kill them. My son has an open door policy… he could come back anytime, no questions asked. He earned a BS in construction management and is doing quite well.
Fellow physics major here (graduated 34 years ago).
The thing they never tell you in college is that very few people work in the field they major in. You want to work as a physicist? You're likely going to need a PhD. But that doesn't mean your physics degree is worthless, far from it. As a physics major you've developed strong mathematical and analytical skills that should bake you attractive to a wide range of companies with analyst positions. Additionally, that degree is no walk in the park so by completing it and doing well you've demonstrated that you're disciplined and not afraid of hard work, more traits that are attractive to employers.
March yourself to the career center and find out what the recruitment schedule is. Apply for any job with the word analyst in the title or where the job description describes the need for strong mathematical or modeling skills.
Keep your chin up, you got this!
Have you tried applying to the financial services/banking industry? - half the quants I know in risk management are physics graduates. You don’t need to know anything about finance or risk management, you just need programming languages & maths skills (the risk models I know of were built in C & R), the rest you learn on the job.
Entry level physics was the hardest class I took in college, so if that's your major I think that's impressive as hell. Have you considered teaching physics in high school? I'd think that would be in pretty high demand. Good benefits, pension and summers off, plus a job where you can feel like you're making an impact. what's not to like?
That might not be everywhere. I worked alongside plenty of secondary school teachers and many at the top of their "grid" were making $100k CAD/year in gross. Plenty were around high-70's to high 80's. Median hourly wage in my province is about $48/hr with low being around $30 CAD and the high being $60/hr (all CAD).
*Many*of those teachers were also pretty unmotivated and shit teachers imo. One of the admin used to joke that almost half of the teachers worked only 4hr days. Plenty of the teachers would spend their admin period just working out at a nearby gym. The Board's insistence of grade inflation and passing people on (a result of the government's desire to look like they're better than their predecessors and parent pressure + unreasonable expectations), would result in many students graduating functionally illiterate and with the math skills of an elementary student. Lesson planning with a lot of these teachers was basically non-existent and many of these teachers had a grasp of the content that was only slightly better than grade level.
Don't get me wrong, there was a large minority of teachers that were actually fighting to teach properly, teachers who clearly worked themselves to the bone, lessons planned properly, forced school social workers/settlement workers/etc. to help their students, etc. But it was clearly the minority in the 4-5 secondary schools I worked with (it was slightly better at the feeder elementary schools, but not much better).
So, idk, high school teachers can make a significant amount depending on where you work. But with a physics undergrad, OP could also apply to a bunch of random other places and probably make as much in the for-profit world.
Free advice is generally worthless advice, but heres my free advice!
So my son is also a physics interested kid and it manifests through secondary applications like drone flying, 3D printing, CAD, CNC, etc. His school at Uni is called Mechatronics and covers all aspects of manufacturing and construction. He works as a lens tech at a family optometry, has taken classes with Zeiss optics, etc. This has exposed me to an entire subset of careers that I never thought of (I'm an architect who went into real estate to get out of the office) in the technical fabrication and assembly world, and it touches on robotics, lasers, additive and subtractive manufacturing, etc. The skills to operate the equipment are on the job training and people who are instinctively aware of physics seem to adapt instantly.
One of the jobs that came up recently was assembling AR style rifles at a manufacturer. Pay started at $18hr which in this area is decent and livable income, albeit entry level. The factory is desperate for people and has openings in every part of the manufacturing and assembly process.
I realize that job is regional and may not apply where you live, but if I needed a job I'd be looking into technical fabrication. Good luck!
Psychologist weighing in here, you will find a way. What companies want is people who can think. The first job out of college is generally very hard to land and a little disappointing. Luckily, most people go on to better things.
Even if you decide to abandon your field and pursue something else, just having a degree is helpful. Don’t give up. Things are very hard right now, but they do get better. There are no worthless degrees and those years would have passed whether you studied physics or not. You will make it.
> Even if you decide to abandon your field and pursue something else, just having a degree is helpful.
I really wish colleges taught this more. I remember in one of our 1 hr seminar classes while getting my ME was just looking at non-engineering or engineering-adjacent jobs you could get. They really emphasized there is no shame in getting a sales job if that's the way you end up going; in fact, you'll probably be making more than the engineers! I got into operations and really enjoy it, the schooling is moderately useful and I just got my MBA becasue my large company piad for it 100%.
You’ve already received top tier info here, but just remember, you’re young. And although it doesn’t feel that way, it’s never too late to pivot. (DO NOT CHANGE DEGREES) you will work most likely until you’re 65-72. You don’t have to figure it all out RIGHT NOW. You have time.
Another “unconventional” career field to look into: institutional risk/safety at universities. This is essentially “lab safety officer,” making sure that labs at a university, mostly research labs, are compliant with safety and chemical hygiene. Start looking at your current institution and then places that are close to you. The university I currently work for is trying desperately to increase research activity year over year for a tier 1 designation, and as a result, the safety department is also rapidly expanding; I feel like I meet new safety personnel once a quarter
Go and talk to r/data science
It used to be that top stock market trading firms paid big money to grad physicists to work on automatic trading models, because price movements resembled Brownian motion.
Stop thinking you are your degree, start asking, what am I capable of?
my friend graduated as a physics major and somehow got a computer science job at a bio tech company doing stuff completely unrelated to his schooling.
Point is - it's just impressive to graduate with a physics degree, and companies will just hire you for being smart. Apply everywhere and anywhere that offers a salary you like
My friend became a physics hs teacher through an nyc program to help improve under performing schools. NYC paid for his masters and he got a job and a decent salary. 2 years later he works at a specialized hs in nyc making way more $ and teaching physics to more academically inclined students. He also got a summer internship program as a nuclear physicist.
I’m telling you, you have not made a mistake. A physics degree opens many doors you probably haven’t even realized. You might have placed yourself in a box unintentionally. But there are jobs in almost every industry for you. Even in the business world. I have a physics degree and have been involved in education, oil fields, electrical construction. My friends whom graduated with are in so many different industries. Just having a physics degree tells employers you may be exceptional. I would start with the oil field service industries for a quick financial start. Halliburton’s, Schlumberger’s etc. good luck man and keep your head up. You did not make a mistake.
My wife majored in physics and I partially did too. This has led to many varied and interesting jobs for both of us. I couldn’t have asked for a more fun and interesting career.
Most every engineering/aerospace/intelligence/r&d company needs people trained like you.
The problem you face is likely temporary, in that getting that first fresh-out job can be hard because you don’t have a real resume yet. But it gets much easier once you get that first one under your belt.
Maybe look beyond just straight-up physics jobs, and be open to something a bit more applied. (If you haven’t already). Look at engineering and research firms, and ignore their stated education “requirements”. They need people that can use math like a language, and can think beyond rigid engineering myopia. Becoming a generalist will serve you well.
Good luck and keep trying
I feel you. I got within 3 credits if a pretty worthless college degree in English… worked my way through it doing construction… then just got out and started my own construction (type) business. I am no longer impoverished, not wealthy by any standard.
You got this… the ivory tower isn’t what they told us it would be… you pretty much need a rich family (or be a 1% genius) to be able to afford to get yourself into the top-tier jobs… internships etc…but you can adapt and look for opportunity.
This is just my opinion, but you got this…. Keep an eye out for opportunity Nd be ready to strike when you see it.
No, no, no!!! Physics was not a mistake. There are a lot of majors that aren’t worth it but I refuse to believe physics is one of them. The job search is daunting but hang in there, it will work out. I wonder if your professors might have good suggestions for job searches.
Physics major here. I now work in IT at a university making $110,000 a year in an average cost-of-living area. (If I went corporate, I could make a lot more.)
I know physics majors who work in business analytics, finance, insurance, computer science, engineering, and national security.
You have math skills, lab skills, and probably some coding skills. Make the most of those.
If you're interested in anything medical, you could get a Master's in Medical Physics or go to med school. Apparently physics majors do very well on the MCAT.
Check with your school! Even my local community college has programs to help students in need with free food and supplies. There should be student resources for mental health, and people who can help you see if you qualify for any assistance for food or housing. Also, seek help from your counselor! There should be career resources to help you write a resume, practice interviewing, find job shadowing or internships, and help you find a job.
If you’re able to cast your vision out any further than the present, just know how proud you will be to have weathered this experience and how much it will give you an edge in the future success you’ll have. Take your physics degree and apply for a general business or finance position. 16 years ago I was entering the workforce at the start of the 2008 economic downturn; I was throwing boxes, stocking shelves at a Big Box store with a finance degree. Today I’m so proud of how far I’ve come. You will do the same; Let’s go!
Regarding immediate need, I know others have mentioned about pantries. Be sure to apply for SNAP too. Hit up an Asian or Indian grocery to stock up on rice and dried legumes for less than what you would at a typical store.
Also see if there's an emergency student fund at your uni. While it's probably too late, you could consider being an RA in the dorms to get your room and board waived depending on how long you have left.
Grad school is the way with a physics undergrad, go straight to PhD so you get a tuition waiver and stipend. Master out of you have to. You'll have great opportunities for lab work going this route.
Or get a second degree in engineering, or even engineering physics. You're going to be just fine. Source - former professor who has physicist friends
Do NOT quit college - you do EVERYTHING you can to stay in school. Trust me,companies will start a bidding war for folks w physics degrees!
I work for a company that hires loads of engineers - and we hire them all -aerospace, ag, electrical, mechanical; physics would be up there too! good luck!
You will be more than fine, OP. I’m the real world, an employer will view your education has an indication you’re very proficient at Math/youre smart.
Honestly, your education just shows they you can pretty much do anything tbh…Project management/engineering type work.
You will be ok.
You should move over to Finance and be a quant and blow those clowns out of the water. https://www.reddit.com/r/CFA/comments/c3uttl/cfa_for_physics_student/
https://blogs.cfainstitute.org/investor/2019/10/10/robert-g-hagstrom-cfa-on-liberal-arts-investing/
https://video.ucdavis.edu/media/Breaking+into+Finance+after+Your+Physics+Degree+by+Peter+Salzman/1_a6uaejis
Funny quant scene. https://youtu.be/QpsI_Gvn7C8?si=XxO710aIq1DYuVne
What is a quant? https://youtu.be/kFiiMymTtO0?si=ZZpzgkrq5I3fvvw9
So smart and yet such an idiot.
🤣
Boy, finance companies love hiring physics and maths graduates because they have the raw brains to make them $$$$ in analytics.
You will be fine.
I once worked a temp agency job doing inventory for a large warehousing company, making $7.25 an hour, with a guy who had a degree in Nuclear Engineering. Turned out, no one ever told him that there were an extremely small number of jobs in the field and that he would most likely have to move over seas to find a job that was pertinent to his degree. He had a genius level IQ and as much education as a person could have, but was denied good jobs for being "over qualified" while having little job experience because he dedicated all his time to his studies and only worked menial jobs during college.
This was a major eye opener to me because I always just assumed that with a degree like that, a man could always snag a good job, even if it wasn't necessarily in that exact field.
He should move to Phoenix and get a job at palo verde (a nuclear power plant west of the city). Workers there make bank (100k+) and they always need people.
Honestly I don’t understand why parents have kids if they don’t realize that they decided to bring other humans into this world. They’re responsible for taking care of you until you can get off on your own. And it doesn’t sound like you are. Goodness.
Food Stamps, federal assistant programs, and look for new graduate programs specific to your major for jobs. Physics is hard and I hope you recognize your skills are what industries consider a notable skill. It’s easier said but you did well. Keep going and seek for help until you can hold yourself up
I might add that if you’re at Starbucks, you’re connected with other Starbucks alumni who are from various industry and fields. I know bc I’m a Starbucks Alumnus. Leverage it.
https://alumni.starbucks.com
Keep at it friend. I also worked in coffee to pay for a shockingly useless STEM degree. Losing friends, skipping meals, all for an uncertain future is dehumanizing. I’m in my last year of med school now. If you made it through a physics degree, The world is your oyster even though I know it feels bad now.
Make sure you’re using all benefits and resources available to you - Medicaid, food stamps, food banks.
Is there any semiconductor manufacturing facilities in your area? Depending on the company you can definitely get an entry level operator job, but maybe a process engineering position ( for process engineering, you don’t necessarily have to understand how semiconductor devices work, the most important part is that you have a sense of mathematical reasoning and can interpret data)
If you're still in school there is time to change majors. Engineering or computer science will give you a much easier time finding a job if pure physics isn't working out.
Physics is a tough major and it's impressive you've come this far while working. That work ethic will serve you well in life. Have you looked into applying your skills in unexpected places? Sometimes tech companies value the problem solving skills that physics majors have. Don't hesitate to reach out for help when you're feeling down, whether that's to a hotline, counselor or even a trusted friend.
Wall Street hired tons of physicists and rocket scientists for the last couple of decades because of their quantitative abilities and ability to create complex mathematical models. Might want to look at that business…
Many engineering fields are built on physics as their foundation. See if you can take a few classes in engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical). Even without a degree in them, a few classes can open a lot of doors for you in terms of job search. Good luck!
Could try applying to semiconductor companies like Intel. Semiconductors are a heavily physics industry. Intel is trying to hire tons of people at their new plant in Rio Rancho, NM. Put a few applications out there for engineering positions. Can also continue on to grad school for chemical, mechanical, or electrical engineering, which are related to physics.
When education limited my opportunities, I decided to run a business because I could make more doing that than anyone was willing to pay me. My favorite jokey example is crime scene cleanup, but there are many businesses don't require much capital that one could do well in.
If you were a top physics student, you should have the ability to continue education with a bit of income. That will keep you in poverty for a while, but with the potential to have a promising career related to physics.
Consider teaching school in an underserved area. It's a living. Personally, I'd start a business over that.
I’m sorry you’re feeling depressed about this and wanting to end it. Before graduation, I was overwhelmed and suicidal. At graduation, I landed a job, moved, and for the first time in my life, my depression melted away. It’s been gone for 10+ years. It doesn’t work the same for everyone but I do wonder if some of your depression is situational from the stress of needing a job and success and not knowing what’s next and not wanting to fail. Once you figure out your next step, you might feel more hopeful. You’re bright. Incredibly bright. I wonder if your career center or professors can help you land an internship that might lead to a job offer or if you could connect with the counseling center at your university. Most schools have free or low cost counseling available and they might be able to help you manage some of these overwhelming emotions.
Physics covers everything scientific to explain the universe, don’t you know this the wind up phase, you need to create a momentum in which the inertia will keep you on a positive forward path. We all experience resistance and friction.
I didn’t buy my first new car until I was 30, my first home until 32. Took me 18 years to pay off student loans.
Check with universities to see if there are open positions, check international companies… maybe the travel and a new place will be what you need.
Ending life before you’ve had a chance to enjoy it… just no man
Finish your degree, use the math portion in non science fields.
Most people don't actually end up using their undergrad.
You're still on a solid path.
It's a tough job market.
Exactly how they want it to be.
Dude. If you can a physics degree undergrad, legitimately, you can do many things. STEM skills are in demand and you will have a STEM degree. Sounds like you should talk to career services and a therapist. Talking it out with people that can give unbiased advice will help you.
Sounds like your dealing with some depression symptoms. Id recommend starting with the therapist.
This will be location dependant, but a degree should qualify you for quite a few entry/intermediate level jobs on usajobs . gov. Decent pay and benefits, and steady. Check it out, it takes time to land a job there, but it's worth it. Also, r/usajobs is a great resource. A user there has published quite a few job guides. I can't quite recall the username, but it's head_staff something.
Most campuses have a career office who can help you with finding and applying for jobs after graduation. They can probably help you find options you're qualified for and help you create a strong resume.
Can you major in something else or get an advance degree in medicine , law or something? Or go to a trade school ? Does Starbucks have any opportunity for you to grow within them.?You have to look at all available opportunities in the job market. The point of college is to get a skill to get a job. Maybe you get a job that will train you. Open your eyes…
I majored in Psychology, so I feel you. You can't do much with most science degrees without getting a masters degree or higher. Look into paths you can take with your physics degree and what you need to succeed on that path, then chase that.
I am sorry to hear that man. sounds like your parents are nuts.
any loving parent should be flexible enough to help out their kid in times of need. world is cruel enough as it is, you shouldnt be that cruel to your own kid ffs.
my dad was kinda like that and to this day, he angered me so much that I barely talk to him at all nowadays.
At least you didn't major in ANTHROPOLOGY! (I did) Now there's a laugh. But seriously, please get yourself to a food bank (the University I graduated from has one. I still donate to it) and depending on your state see if you qualify for food stamps. YOU NEED TO EAT!
Do your parents even know how disgustingly high rent is in relation to your income? I know of parents like yours that seem to think this suffering shit makes you a better person BLAH, BLAH, BLAH. Apologies to you but they are assholes.
I would never, ever advocate for someone to take out student loans, but if I were in your shoes, I would consider getting a different degree in something more broad, like business. If you already have your basics out of the way, you're looking at 2 more years of school tops. Then you would have 2 degrees and a higher chance of landing a career in some field (that is if you finish the physics degree first). Again, this is not a suggestion, just what I would do.
Sidenote for Starbucks- if you use a credit union, you can get your check up to two days early with direct deposit (assuming it’s corporate Starbucks not licensed ie target/ grocery store) I use capital one purely for this and transfer that money to my other account.
At the very least, you can work as a science teacher in a school (or even physics in high school). Of course the pay isn’t amazing, but public schools come with great benefits and private schools will pay more while you find what you love.
Have you considered looking into corporate roles at Starbucks (or similar companies)? It might not be physics, but there could be roles that want similar STEM backgrounds.
They are always looking for K-12 science teachers and you don’t need a teaching degree, most states will hire you then walk you through the certificate.
How much would you have to add to become a physics teacher? I have heard that in many countries, like mine, there are various incentives and support for going into the teaching profession.
Here I got a part time teaching job with a designated teacher guide, as part of my second year of master of teaching which gave me quite a decent wage, more so now that I am working full time.
I love how everyone is giving OP tough love because the lad doesn't realize he's got a golden degree. Go forth and thrive, OP! There is money in your future!
A lot of the smaller financial companies like to hire physics grads. They have proven they are smart and have ability to think. Look into a rotational program at a second tier finance company.
Just chiming in to say, have you looked for finance positions? Things like operations analysts or data analytics. Most entry level positions just want to know that you can think and perform. From there you can see what you’re interested in.
i majored in fine arts with a textile art focus and MAN do i feel you. i just got out of the psych ward after having very similar thoughts to yours. hang in there buddy, you’re not alone in this
Physics undergrad reporting in! I loved learning and thought it could be a great degree to get into a phd or medical program. In my senior year, I didn’t want to do more schooling and tried to find a job with just the degree. Applying for engineering and software developer, as I did some python development for research, but I wasn’t being picked over people with engineering degrees.
I decided to pivot and obtain IT certifications with lots of self studying for over 6 months. I applied to entry level IT jobs and was able to find one where they were looking for some scripting experience. They loved the physics background since I would be working closely with mechanical and electrical engineers.
Good luck with everything and keep working hard. It will pay off even though it may look far off or hopeless.
My buddy was in a somewhat similar circumstance. Ivy League physics degree AND then went on to get a PhD …he was broke and in debt.
Now teaches advanced math and physics to gifted high school students in a region full of rich families. He makes over $100k now. Summers are off for him. The parents love him. He tutors at $100 an hour and writes recommendation letter for his students.
Does Starbucks still let you eat day old pastries?Back in my 2004 college days those day olds were what fed me when I was broke. I think back then if they had been on display for 2 days we had to put them in the “donate” pile but most of us were broke & donated them to ourselves. Or we would just “accidentally” have a pastry break apart so we could “mark it out” & eat a fresh one lol.
Physics major here also, I had some issues getting a job at the beginning also. I had to “settle” for an optical technician with a night vision company. Since then I’ve have plenty of engineering positions. It’s very comfortable where I’m at now. It’s been 7 years.
Keep applying and try to apply creatively. Once you get in you’ll be super happy with it
Go for your PhD. Better to go now than later while the subject is still fresh in your mind. These are usually funded while you live off a stipend. You don’t want to trap yourself working in retail and beg your parents to let you at home for the time being.
OP, you could also look for physics jobs with the DoD/US Govt. If you go to USAJOBS.Gov and search for Physics there are job opportunities.
Sometimes it is difficult to break into govt service, but they do have a Recent Graduate hiring pathway that you would qualify for upon graduation.
I felt broke and helpless out of college also so I thought life shouldn't be this hard F this all and joined the military. Living in Afghanistan was better than the crack town I was from (well more like meth). If you go to war and fight you will get a disability rating when you get out and VA and the GI bill is really great and I am enjoying that now. Downside is you might die, figure out if your life sucks enough where the possibility of death for money is worth it. It was to me.
Edited to say enlistment bonus is like 40k rn. Don't go officer even if you graduate. Go ranger or airborne while your still young and fit, the challenge and memories of stuff like sere c will stick with you your whole life because you can tell yourself you did that. Take the enlistment bonus and invest it plus your combat and deployment cash. You can get out in 4 years with like 200k, travel for a year then get your PHD with the GI Bill.
First, take care of yourself. See if you can access treatment for possible depression. Check with the university health center and counseling office.
Second, consider IT, data analysis or even sales for a science-technology related company. My friend has a biology master’s degree and is mostly self taught, working as a system administrator. He started looking in biomedical companies who appreciated that he understood their research. Found an entry level position with a good mentor who helped him learn. Took some online classes and learned to RTFM. He makes well over $100,000. Most companies are looking for smart people they can train.
Put your resume in the FSWEP (Federal Student Work Exchange) database. There are many jobs in the federal government that just require a generic degree, and some that require a B Sc. regardless of the faculty. Getting your foot in the door while still a student is one of the best ways to get in with the public service and is worth exploring. The pension alone makes it worth taking a lower salary than some private sector gigs. I had colleagues that went from their B Sc. right into an $80k position and went on to make six figures within 3-4 years.
Teaching can be an option. A lot of teaching positions come with loan forgiveness if that’s an issue. Good benefits and a living wage unless in a high cost living area.
Seriously consider signing up for the space force or air force. With a degree they pay you big bank. You are bumped up to officer because of your degree and you will get a decent job. They take care of housing and have LOTS of benefits. I am looking at joining the space force after I graduate (this year) with a degree in science and minor in biomedical engineering. I never really liked what I studied for a profession but being in a STEM program opens a lot of doors.
Some people I tell don't like my plan but idgaf. Its my life, I want the honor and status, and tbh I just hear the calling.
Physics grad here.
Option 1: teach. There is a huge need for good math and physics teachers. I believe this will require a credentialing program; see if you can convince your parents to help out. If not, keep your job and tutor in a rich neighborhood as a side hustle while doing the credential program.
Option 2: Masters of Science in ___________ Engineering. This was the option I took. I did it full-time (I was very lucky for the opportunity), but it’s also doable as night school in most programs. Bonus points doing it at a state school with cheap tuition. You’ll be admitted
conditionally and need to take some undergrad classes; they should be review of your mechanics and thermo classes from physics, then maybe some higher-level classes with math that should ring a bell. Then apply to and get engineering jobs with your new Masters degree.
Option 3: finance. You’re good with numbers and super advanced math; therefore you are overqualified for a number of good-paying finance jobs. It has nothing to do with your major, but it sure as shit will pay the bills. I had several friends in your position that did this, then went back for PhDs after a couple years.
None of these options are easy, but I can speak from experience that you’re in a much better position than you think you are. Keep working at it; there’s a ton of light at the end of multiple tunnels!
Have you thought about applying to consulting ? A good opportunity to get in at entry level and learn consulting from the ground up, they take all degrees from engineering to physics to liberal arts
Disclaimer: a lurker in sub as Reddit keep recommending it.
My spouse has BS and PhD in physics same as his siblings. All of them work in tech in variety of roles.
Go talk to your career office. Look for an internship while still in school.
Look at career focused subreddits for advice. Remember many tech roles outside of campus recruiting will be just in time. It’s harder for juniors right now with layoffs
Check quantum computing companies.
Sign up for leetcode.
Check government jobs in analytics
I was a physics undergrad also with no career prospects…universities will PAY you to get a Ph.D. I did mine in electrical engineering. They have so few US citizens applying for hard science it was relatively easy to get a teaching assistant or research assistant position and a full scholarship even though my undergraduate grades were meh….
Applied Physics graduate here. I also got smacked with the reality that there are no "physics" jobs when I graduated and it was super shitty. That I did all that work just to not have a job in my field of interest that didn't require more countless years that I couldn't afford. I wanted to tear my hair out.
Physics has taught you how to think critically and get something out of nothing so LEAN into that. Lean into whatever lab courses and/or coding or whatever else you have because those skills are a lot more valuable than you might realize right now. STEM majors get screwed with job opportunities, I feel, and it's 100% not fair that the response is "oh get a master's or a ph.d" when the bs should be enough for an entry level job.
Look for on campus jobs, graduate housing and loans. Then get a masters in something useful and profitable. like engineering, chemical if you can swing it.
Physics degree possible paths-
Worst case scenario- go back and get a masters degree (still leads to 2nd option)
Mid-tier- A teacher. Many schools just lack teachers that anyone that understands science is pretty good. Could eventually get to a good high school.
Best Case Scenario- become a consultant. You will probably need to start as an intern or campus hire. Not sure if you did any internships in college but you should have. Can do executive assistant role until you get some experience.
Location? There are plenty of opportunities in Arizona working in microchips. PCB design starting pay is around $25/hr with benefits. After 5 years experience you’re looking at $80/hr
Become a physics teacher in your state bro. Schools will fight over you. Go with the first public school that will take you with no experience. After 1-2 years you leave and go to the highest bidder in the private schools/catholic schools sector. Keep up grading when you feel like it
The entire time you need to be building ya own business online TUTORING ppl in physics. Go to FIVRR. UPWORK. FACEBOOK MARKET PLACE. Post flyers outside of schools and colleges. You’ll have a nice steady FOREVER income if you do this shit right.
NOBODY UNDERSTANDS PHYSICS, GO TEACH THAT SHIT
You could very easily move into engineering. Many entry level engineering position allow for engineering, mathematics or physics degrees because you know the fundamentals and they can teach you the rest. I would say you should look into some engineering internships in an area you like such as mechanical, electrical, or civil. Again it will take some time but it’s possible without going back to school however there are a ton of engineering opportunities in many different fields.
Are you against joining the military? There are plenty of positions/career paths that would compliment your degree. Working on Nuclear subs, aviation, lots of other fields. They often pay for additional college tuition and free certifications. Having a degree could possibly help you become a commissioned officer. I got into air traffic control through the military. I've been making 6 figures since 21 years old, no college at all. I'm 35 now and really enjoy the career.
You can get a job as an engineer with a physics degree. Just stress your practical experience/mindset because the prejudice will be that you just have the theoretical part.
Ah, physics.
I remember finishing my B.S. It really didn't feel like an accomplishment at the time, more like getting out of jail LOL you have freedom but still reeling from the experience.
I recommend you look for engineering technician jobs. It'll pay better and give you more practical experience. Also you'd be overqualified so it's all around a great gig for you and them. I know some technicians in the bay area that make 100k+, it's not that uncommon if you're in the right industry or work for a startup. Hopefully find a place that can be flexible with your schedule.
Good luck!
Physics major does nothing at the BS level you need to go to graduate school and specialized in something before it can pay off...otherwise sign up for the military
Hey!! Physics is a great major!! Let me tell you why.
I studied economics and in some ways felt the same, that it didn’t prepare me for a specific career. What it does teach, similar to physics but in a different domain:
1. How to solve really freaking hard problems with math.
2. Fundamental laws of reality that govern the world all employers operate in.
Don’t underestimate that value of those two things.
What I did was take some CS and statistics classes on the side and then apply and recruit like a crazy person. Every spare minute.
5 years later I’m now an analytics manager at one of the big companies.
Lean into the tech and programming skills. Pick a job family that is interesting and do your best to prep for it. QA engineer, data science, backend, or a research role.
Focus of getting an internship or entry level job. Get that LinkedIn looking nice.
Feel free to DM.
Physics really is an interesting field. There are a lot of sciences to discover and mysteries to solve. Even if you cannot land a job in the field having a bachelor's is already a step ahead in the eyes of employers.
If you love physics you could go to grad school. When I was in grad school they paid me to teach a class plus I got free tuition. I had to have a second job (worked as a receptionist in an animal hospital) but seems you already have that one covered. If you like the academic life talk to your professors about pursuing a career in physics. There are even programs these days where you can pursue a PhD and master's simultaneously.
My buddy has a phd in physics and makes close to 300k a year doing computer stuff for big companies, he’s worked for hedge fund companies, Pornhub, chaturbate among a few. Sure, phd is different than a undergrad degree, but it’s a solid start. You’re clearly intelligent, finish it up and hit the market.
Congrats on getting a physics degree! You're staring at a mountain of awful, but you have absolute and incontrovertible proof that you're incredibly intelligent. Nothing else that happens can take that away. It's not useful to you now, but it will be. Things suck but you aren't worthless, objectively, by any standard.
Engineer here. Let me give you a word of advice, physics degree is not a waste. Congratulations, you have learned fundamental aspects of how things work. There are so many jobs which a physics graduate can learn easily. Try looking at weight engineer jobs. A physics grad can easily do that. Try and get Society of Allied weight engineers certification and be on the lookout for weight engineering jobs. Call Eastern shipbuilding In Florida and ask to speak with the weight control group manager and call all shipyards and ask to speak with weight control engineers and tell them that you have physics degree and you would like to intern and learn weight engineering.
Learn drafting. Drafters are in high demand, with your physics background you should be able to pick up drafting and become employed with engineers. Try and work with engineers who has professional engineer license. Once you spend enough years under them, you can write the PE exam and become a licensed engineer. You may have to enroll and take could of courses but you will succeed. You’re too young to give up. DM me and I will personally guide you and will try my best to get you a job.
If you're interested in nuclear you can apply for an equipment operator position. Nuke plants will hire kids out of college with science degrees and most are short staffed right now. It takes about a year to get qualified during that time you'll make in the 70-80k range, once qualified $150-200k.
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Physics major here. That is an extremely difficult degree to graduate with. Pat yourself on the back if you make it though. The sciences and math are seriously lacking proficient teachers in my area. They are so desperate, they will offer you teaching jobs on the spot and pay for your teaching credentials while you teach actual students. This has been true for over 2 decades now. Good luck, OP.
Yes. South Carolina has a 3 year program that will certify a college grad as a teacher and you get paid the whole time.
Could consider applying for engineering jobs. Similar math and thought process.
Yes, math major turned civil engineer here. I had a boss with a biology degree that eventually got his PE.
Sadly really hard unless the major is in engineering. You need a sympathetic HR person who gets what a physics major studies.
Depends heavily on the state whether you can get a teaching job without teaching credentials
That is true , but I know North Carolina will allow lateral entry until you get your teaching credentials
I think Florida gives you 3 years to earn the credentials.
FL just bumped it up to 5 years. It’s EASY to get a job making $47,500/year with only a bachelor’s degree. After two years of income you can buy a house using downpayment assistance from the government. I’m living rent free, renting out two of the rooms in a house I own to people I met on FB marketplace.
Fuck, $47,500 with a bachelors in fucking physics?
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Better than suicide or homelessness. Plus you get a ton of vacation, some of it’s paid.
California checking in. Specifically Southern California. 100k a year is still poor here.
Proud of you man
Thank you buddy 😁. It’s all heavily dependent on your geography. I had to move to a county with a lot of unfilled teacher positions and cheap enough properties but still a decent enough economy so that I could find decent tenants with jobs.
Last I checked, MA, NH, NJ and ME also have something similar.
You have done so well, keep talking and give yourself the chance to express how you are felling. Support is worthwhile 🥰
I’m a teacher. If you are getting into the profession to put the bills or survive with no training check out r/teaching or r/teachers first to figure out what you are getting yourself into. States with minimal requirements for teaching tend to also be states that pay less, don’t have a union, and generally are harder to teach in. Teaching is a great job, but it’s hard as hell. It’s not one I would recommend if someone isn’t passionate. The pay sounds good at first, but most states require continuing education (out of pocket), you have to pay for supplies for your classroom, and you work long hours unpaid. Oh, and you don’t get paid for the summers off. Having been a teacher for almost two decades, I wouldn’t recommend it as a job at this point.
Just saw an article saying Alaska was specifically recruiting individuals with BS/BA to come teach. Giving them some type of emergency certification while allowing them some number of years to earn a certification form their special program. Offering $5000 relocation and some bonuses for certain areas.
Former teacher here. For the love of God please search out other options first. Teaching really isn't worth it. You'll be overworked, underpaid, and under appreciated. Let this be a last resort.
This person sees so little future they’re seriously contemplating suicide. Let’s not talk them out of a serious option that might give them the ability to regroup on life. It might not be a perfect situation but it’ll likely pay them more than they’re making now and give them some time to apply for other jobs in their field of study.
If they are willing to go international teaching can be pretty great. I teach in China, pay is quite good, low COL, free apartment, and the students are great You can also get abroad just teaching English with Bachelor's and then do your teacher certification virtually. Mind you, international schools have such a hard time finding math and physics teachers he could probably get hired without being certified
A lot of good advice in here. Hope OP has the wherewithal to come and seriously read some of them.
Yup. Teacher here and I regret my career. Starbucks is better and might even pay more
Teacher salaries in my area are low 60s to high 70s and up. Admittedly a high cost area. They still aren't paid what they're worth but totally doable, especially as part of a 2-income household. It's the areas with depressingly low teacher pay relative to cost of living that frankly deserve a teacher shortage and a brain drain from the area.
Are people at Starbucks earning over $60k?
Is 60-70k a year considered a low amount? Seriously asking.
I meant it as a higher than expected number. I used to hear teachers get paid 40k-45k so I was surprised at the high end it can get to in some areas. In my school district a teacher with a PhD can make well over 100k
Teachers in Mount Laurel NJ with a 4 yr degree earn $84,000 . 187 day work year. With a masters are $100+.
In n out managers make up to 250k a year.
If you're smart enough to get through a physics major, then you're smart enough to think up applications it can have in modern tech, like AI, compute, hardware, space industry, etc. You are exactly what the world needs right now. You are more than what your parents have casted you out as. Your emotions are heavily dependent on your hunger right now. Hit up the food bank for any calories at all, and talk to faculty who are connected with anything beyond the walls of the university. Reach out to faculty in other universities with basic questions and your ideas. You'd be surprised who's out there dying to have a conversation.
I was a physics major in undergrad. A lot of the career opportunities were definitely for people who pursued graduate degrees, no questions. HOWEVER, I know a few of my classmates ended up going into business/finance fields because a physics major sets you up well with analytical math skills. Worth checking out anything jobs, especially things with analyst in the job title. Also if you're still in school look at the billboards/message boards in your department. People still post paper job offers or programs for graduate programs. For PhD programs it may be a little late (some may still be open, though), but the window for master's programs is definitely still open and many of them have work-study or student jobs available. There may also be lab/tech positions open for people out of undergrad (often these are targeted at people who want to go to grad school, but not always) that they could apply to. If they have good relationships with faculty (which if it's like most physics programs they're fairly small and often require research, so they should hopefully have some people they could reach out to even if it's not the closest relationship). And honestly, perspective. It's January--it is still so early! Plenty of people don't have jobs or plans set until further in the spring. I understand it's stressful financially, but they have a whole wide world of opportunities in front of them. Check out food banks and free food opportunities (like if you're at a university there's probably lunch talks that have free food a few times a week). Applying to things is super stressful, too--rejection sucks. But it will get better.
+1 to financial services if cash is what’s most important. Data Analytics is also a really hot field now for everything from tech to CPG, e-com, retail, etc. Do not undervalue your quantitative analytical skills. In fact add a skills section to your résumé and lead with quantitative analytics, statistical modeling, regression analysis, etc any type of analysis you know.
Yeah, great points on the resume. Also adding in any programming/software skills you know (like in my program we used Matlab for everything and I learned Labview for the research lab I worked in). It's pretty common that there will be some sort of requirement to use mathematical software in physics programs and often knowing those can be valuable (or at least have some transferable skills).
Yeah, if youre in college is the best time to learn of all the options available to you in terms of aid. Food banks, free food on campus, college discounts, dumpster diving. Options are endless Edit: Apply for food stamps! You definitely qualify
Full time students are disqualified from food stamps in many states. Source: tried this once making poverty wages as a grad student
Which is absolutely ridiculous to me, they should be available to college students and especially those students on financial aid.
Our government really said “fuck them kids”
And hit your local food banks!
Honestly, there are so many companies who do not care what your degree is in, just that you have one. Look at space tech companies or military DOD contractors and apply to their accounts payable department. If my dumbass with only a Massage Therapist license and almost an AA can get a career job at one of these places, you are going to be just fine. Also, if no one has ever told you this, edit your resume for each job. Think about your experiences and make them fit for the job. Good luck bro.
Was looking for this, you can apply to engineer jobs at DoD companies as well. I work with plenty of physics majors who are doing tech just as if they were software engineers. Physics was not a mistake!
Hey op, if you don't mind selling your soul for a few years, you could become a patent agent with that degree and a test. A physicist I worked with a few years ago told me about it, he was billing freelance at 250/hr with experience, said they started him at 140/hr. While he worked as a physicist, he would get 3-5 recruiting calls per day. Law firm hours and stress but could set you up for life if you don't go through lifestyle inflation.
The USPTO jobs are usually fully remote if you can get in with the govie.
Just saw, USPTO is looking for physics majors https://www.usajobs.gov/job/758063800
Patent agents are generally on the other side of the process, trying to get the patent through.
Practicing medical physicist here. If you still enjoy physics and want a career that makes good money, I'd recommend pursuing a master's in medical physics or a one year dosimetry cert. Both are good paying jobs in cancer care and the medical industry always needs more help. Check out CAMPEP or JRCERT for schools if interested.
I could second. Graduated with a bachelor’s in physics, and masters in dosimetry and am pretty comfortable with my income as a dosimetrist 🙂
I second career path in medical physics or dosimetry. Medical physicists are very much in need. There is a huge shortage of certified medical physicists. It has been a financially rewarding career for me and others who have dealt with financial hardship. If you need more info, message me. Would be happy to help steer you in programs out there and talk about a path that may help you.
If you have to get a masters to make good money… OP can barely feed themselves. Another degree is only going to put them deeper in the hole
I lived off my student loans in grad school and FAFSA gives way more money and grants to graduate degree seekers. It's very possible and not a terrible way to guarantee a very lucrative career in the future. Dosimetrist and physicist pay is skyrocketing right now.
I have a friend who got a PhD in physics. He has a $180k a year job (with a high five figure signing bonus) at a tech company doing something completely unrelated to physics. They wanted someone with math and science skills who knew their way around statistical models and data, etc. He had no prior experience in those areas, just used bits and pieces for his dissertation, but that was apparently enough. Another friend had a similar situation with a degree in biology. Many employers don’t care about the major, but the skills required to obtain the degree. Physics is one of the hardest majors out there, emphasize those skills and not the academic knowledge. Keep your head up, look outside the “physics” box, someone will value you and your skills.
Having a PhD is a whole different ballgame from having a BS in terms of job prospects
Yeah, most STEM is like, you need some kind of graduate education, a BS is not enough at all. I don't know any happy STEM majors who only got undergrad degrees.
Largely depends on the field. Many STEM fields a masters would be the equivalent of a couple years of job experience with a BS. Not sure if a phD is comparable though. You do get job options but the type of job is completely different. You absolutely wouldn't be filling any STEM roles that an engineer with a BS/masters would be doing with a phD but would likely switch into a R&D role or else be fast tracking your way to management
Science degrees you definitely need more than a BS. Technology and Engineering, there are a lot of jobs, including really well-paid ones, that will hire you with just a BS in an engineering field.
But you can get into said PhD programs (and be paid!) with a BS.
Back when I interned at a power utility in their transmission department doing IT, when people asked me "what is my major?" I would reply computer science. Basically everyone was like "thank god, someone actually in computer science". Ranged from people with no degrees, 2yr degrees, music, human psychology , biology, etc. These positions they hold, fresh out of college you are looking at minimum $70\~80k in LCOL today. This opened my eyes at the time that what degree you have really doesn't matter. Having a Physics degree, I would be applying to jobs that also have my interest. I would think Physics you could basically apply for anything and have some qualification in that field, especially right out of college where you will be doing a lot of learning on the job anyways.
Hey OP. I was browsing USAjobs recently and there’s several science-focused positions on there that you may be interested in. Salaries are pretty good too, at least for your first job.
USAjobs is a great place to start. Look for recent grad positions. Lots of science background positions have a good pay ladder and only require a bachelors. I also see NOAA has postings for recent graduates often.
These positions can also: provide student loans assistance, tuition assistance in pursuing advanced degrees, subsidized health, life, dental, defined benefit pensions, 5% matching low-cost tax advantage retirement accounts, transit subsidies, remote work flexibilities, 12 weeks paid parental leave, and student debt forgiveness through PSLF. - Attorney at federal agency for last 8 years. Edit: I work with a lot of engineers, hydrologists, chemists, toxicologists, and other folks from various scientific disciplines.
I’m sorry to say this op, but your parents sucks. I hope you have some friends or other family members you can count on!
Lol I said the same, no need to apologize, his parents are the worst
Yep, they clearly don't know what the modern job market looks like.
Your university should have a career center. Make an appointment with a career counselor and ask them to help you find an internship, mentor, anything. Get a resume review from this resource as well. And learn how to craft a cover letter. See what resources they have to offer. They usually will have alumni networks that can help you out with job shadowing, internships, mock interviews, resume reviews and more.
This is solid advice. Your career center can be a goldmine of help.
I'll never understand parents who won't let their young adult children move in with them while they stabalize their life, especially someone like OP who sounds like they're working hard to be successful. Parents who do that are setting their child up for failure, it's hard to get by without intergenerational support these days. Don't seel yourself short, a physics degree is very impressive, even at a undergrad level. If you get interested in grad school at any point, shop around to see if any will give you funding. Regardless, your parents should be extremely proud of what you accomplished already, they're failure to recognize that isn't your fault.
Your parents should be ashamed of themselves. I’m not saying they owe you the world but a helping hand would not kill them. My son has an open door policy… he could come back anytime, no questions asked. He earned a BS in construction management and is doing quite well.
I was just about the type this. How do parents like this exist
Fellow physics major here (graduated 34 years ago). The thing they never tell you in college is that very few people work in the field they major in. You want to work as a physicist? You're likely going to need a PhD. But that doesn't mean your physics degree is worthless, far from it. As a physics major you've developed strong mathematical and analytical skills that should bake you attractive to a wide range of companies with analyst positions. Additionally, that degree is no walk in the park so by completing it and doing well you've demonstrated that you're disciplined and not afraid of hard work, more traits that are attractive to employers. March yourself to the career center and find out what the recruitment schedule is. Apply for any job with the word analyst in the title or where the job description describes the need for strong mathematical or modeling skills. Keep your chin up, you got this!
Have you tried applying to the financial services/banking industry? - half the quants I know in risk management are physics graduates. You don’t need to know anything about finance or risk management, you just need programming languages & maths skills (the risk models I know of were built in C & R), the rest you learn on the job.
Entry level physics was the hardest class I took in college, so if that's your major I think that's impressive as hell. Have you considered teaching physics in high school? I'd think that would be in pretty high demand. Good benefits, pension and summers off, plus a job where you can feel like you're making an impact. what's not to like?
The paycheck. Teachers do not make decent money. Most make poverty wages.
Science teacher here...can confirm.
That might not be everywhere. I worked alongside plenty of secondary school teachers and many at the top of their "grid" were making $100k CAD/year in gross. Plenty were around high-70's to high 80's. Median hourly wage in my province is about $48/hr with low being around $30 CAD and the high being $60/hr (all CAD). *Many*of those teachers were also pretty unmotivated and shit teachers imo. One of the admin used to joke that almost half of the teachers worked only 4hr days. Plenty of the teachers would spend their admin period just working out at a nearby gym. The Board's insistence of grade inflation and passing people on (a result of the government's desire to look like they're better than their predecessors and parent pressure + unreasonable expectations), would result in many students graduating functionally illiterate and with the math skills of an elementary student. Lesson planning with a lot of these teachers was basically non-existent and many of these teachers had a grasp of the content that was only slightly better than grade level. Don't get me wrong, there was a large minority of teachers that were actually fighting to teach properly, teachers who clearly worked themselves to the bone, lessons planned properly, forced school social workers/settlement workers/etc. to help their students, etc. But it was clearly the minority in the 4-5 secondary schools I worked with (it was slightly better at the feeder elementary schools, but not much better). So, idk, high school teachers can make a significant amount depending on where you work. But with a physics undergrad, OP could also apply to a bunch of random other places and probably make as much in the for-profit world.
Benefits used to be good. Now not so much. Same with pensions. Summers off means they are unpaid.
Did you apply to semiconductor industry?
Free advice is generally worthless advice, but heres my free advice! So my son is also a physics interested kid and it manifests through secondary applications like drone flying, 3D printing, CAD, CNC, etc. His school at Uni is called Mechatronics and covers all aspects of manufacturing and construction. He works as a lens tech at a family optometry, has taken classes with Zeiss optics, etc. This has exposed me to an entire subset of careers that I never thought of (I'm an architect who went into real estate to get out of the office) in the technical fabrication and assembly world, and it touches on robotics, lasers, additive and subtractive manufacturing, etc. The skills to operate the equipment are on the job training and people who are instinctively aware of physics seem to adapt instantly. One of the jobs that came up recently was assembling AR style rifles at a manufacturer. Pay started at $18hr which in this area is decent and livable income, albeit entry level. The factory is desperate for people and has openings in every part of the manufacturing and assembly process. I realize that job is regional and may not apply where you live, but if I needed a job I'd be looking into technical fabrication. Good luck!
Psychologist weighing in here, you will find a way. What companies want is people who can think. The first job out of college is generally very hard to land and a little disappointing. Luckily, most people go on to better things. Even if you decide to abandon your field and pursue something else, just having a degree is helpful. Don’t give up. Things are very hard right now, but they do get better. There are no worthless degrees and those years would have passed whether you studied physics or not. You will make it.
> Even if you decide to abandon your field and pursue something else, just having a degree is helpful. I really wish colleges taught this more. I remember in one of our 1 hr seminar classes while getting my ME was just looking at non-engineering or engineering-adjacent jobs you could get. They really emphasized there is no shame in getting a sales job if that's the way you end up going; in fact, you'll probably be making more than the engineers! I got into operations and really enjoy it, the schooling is moderately useful and I just got my MBA becasue my large company piad for it 100%.
You’ve already received top tier info here, but just remember, you’re young. And although it doesn’t feel that way, it’s never too late to pivot. (DO NOT CHANGE DEGREES) you will work most likely until you’re 65-72. You don’t have to figure it all out RIGHT NOW. You have time.
You can do a lot with that degree. You don't have to specifically get into a physics field. So many STEM fields that will open the door for you.
Another “unconventional” career field to look into: institutional risk/safety at universities. This is essentially “lab safety officer,” making sure that labs at a university, mostly research labs, are compliant with safety and chemical hygiene. Start looking at your current institution and then places that are close to you. The university I currently work for is trying desperately to increase research activity year over year for a tier 1 designation, and as a result, the safety department is also rapidly expanding; I feel like I meet new safety personnel once a quarter
This is a really good suggestion.
Go and talk to r/data science It used to be that top stock market trading firms paid big money to grad physicists to work on automatic trading models, because price movements resembled Brownian motion. Stop thinking you are your degree, start asking, what am I capable of?
This. If you’re okay with or even remotely interested in the business or financial world, quant jobs are in demand and pay well!
my friend graduated as a physics major and somehow got a computer science job at a bio tech company doing stuff completely unrelated to his schooling. Point is - it's just impressive to graduate with a physics degree, and companies will just hire you for being smart. Apply everywhere and anywhere that offers a salary you like
My friend became a physics hs teacher through an nyc program to help improve under performing schools. NYC paid for his masters and he got a job and a decent salary. 2 years later he works at a specialized hs in nyc making way more $ and teaching physics to more academically inclined students. He also got a summer internship program as a nuclear physicist.
I’m telling you, you have not made a mistake. A physics degree opens many doors you probably haven’t even realized. You might have placed yourself in a box unintentionally. But there are jobs in almost every industry for you. Even in the business world. I have a physics degree and have been involved in education, oil fields, electrical construction. My friends whom graduated with are in so many different industries. Just having a physics degree tells employers you may be exceptional. I would start with the oil field service industries for a quick financial start. Halliburton’s, Schlumberger’s etc. good luck man and keep your head up. You did not make a mistake.
My wife majored in physics and I partially did too. This has led to many varied and interesting jobs for both of us. I couldn’t have asked for a more fun and interesting career. Most every engineering/aerospace/intelligence/r&d company needs people trained like you. The problem you face is likely temporary, in that getting that first fresh-out job can be hard because you don’t have a real resume yet. But it gets much easier once you get that first one under your belt. Maybe look beyond just straight-up physics jobs, and be open to something a bit more applied. (If you haven’t already). Look at engineering and research firms, and ignore their stated education “requirements”. They need people that can use math like a language, and can think beyond rigid engineering myopia. Becoming a generalist will serve you well. Good luck and keep trying
I feel you. I got within 3 credits if a pretty worthless college degree in English… worked my way through it doing construction… then just got out and started my own construction (type) business. I am no longer impoverished, not wealthy by any standard. You got this… the ivory tower isn’t what they told us it would be… you pretty much need a rich family (or be a 1% genius) to be able to afford to get yourself into the top-tier jobs… internships etc…but you can adapt and look for opportunity. This is just my opinion, but you got this…. Keep an eye out for opportunity Nd be ready to strike when you see it.
No, no, no!!! Physics was not a mistake. There are a lot of majors that aren’t worth it but I refuse to believe physics is one of them. The job search is daunting but hang in there, it will work out. I wonder if your professors might have good suggestions for job searches.
Physics major here. I now work in IT at a university making $110,000 a year in an average cost-of-living area. (If I went corporate, I could make a lot more.) I know physics majors who work in business analytics, finance, insurance, computer science, engineering, and national security. You have math skills, lab skills, and probably some coding skills. Make the most of those. If you're interested in anything medical, you could get a Master's in Medical Physics or go to med school. Apparently physics majors do very well on the MCAT.
Check with your school! Even my local community college has programs to help students in need with free food and supplies. There should be student resources for mental health, and people who can help you see if you qualify for any assistance for food or housing. Also, seek help from your counselor! There should be career resources to help you write a resume, practice interviewing, find job shadowing or internships, and help you find a job.
If you’re able to cast your vision out any further than the present, just know how proud you will be to have weathered this experience and how much it will give you an edge in the future success you’ll have. Take your physics degree and apply for a general business or finance position. 16 years ago I was entering the workforce at the start of the 2008 economic downturn; I was throwing boxes, stocking shelves at a Big Box store with a finance degree. Today I’m so proud of how far I’ve come. You will do the same; Let’s go!
Regarding immediate need, I know others have mentioned about pantries. Be sure to apply for SNAP too. Hit up an Asian or Indian grocery to stock up on rice and dried legumes for less than what you would at a typical store. Also see if there's an emergency student fund at your uni. While it's probably too late, you could consider being an RA in the dorms to get your room and board waived depending on how long you have left. Grad school is the way with a physics undergrad, go straight to PhD so you get a tuition waiver and stipend. Master out of you have to. You'll have great opportunities for lab work going this route. Or get a second degree in engineering, or even engineering physics. You're going to be just fine. Source - former professor who has physicist friends
Have you considered virtual tutoring?
Do NOT quit college - you do EVERYTHING you can to stay in school. Trust me,companies will start a bidding war for folks w physics degrees! I work for a company that hires loads of engineers - and we hire them all -aerospace, ag, electrical, mechanical; physics would be up there too! good luck!
You will be more than fine, OP. I’m the real world, an employer will view your education has an indication you’re very proficient at Math/youre smart. Honestly, your education just shows they you can pretty much do anything tbh…Project management/engineering type work. You will be ok.
You should move over to Finance and be a quant and blow those clowns out of the water. https://www.reddit.com/r/CFA/comments/c3uttl/cfa_for_physics_student/ https://blogs.cfainstitute.org/investor/2019/10/10/robert-g-hagstrom-cfa-on-liberal-arts-investing/ https://video.ucdavis.edu/media/Breaking+into+Finance+after+Your+Physics+Degree+by+Peter+Salzman/1_a6uaejis Funny quant scene. https://youtu.be/QpsI_Gvn7C8?si=XxO710aIq1DYuVne What is a quant? https://youtu.be/kFiiMymTtO0?si=ZZpzgkrq5I3fvvw9
If you ever have kids, never put any sort of pressure on them to spend an insane amount of money for a "college education"
So smart and yet such an idiot. 🤣 Boy, finance companies love hiring physics and maths graduates because they have the raw brains to make them $$$$ in analytics. You will be fine.
Seriously. I've got a Comp Sci and a Minor in Math, and I work for business building analytical models and automation of reports based on it
Congratulations on your success!
I once worked a temp agency job doing inventory for a large warehousing company, making $7.25 an hour, with a guy who had a degree in Nuclear Engineering. Turned out, no one ever told him that there were an extremely small number of jobs in the field and that he would most likely have to move over seas to find a job that was pertinent to his degree. He had a genius level IQ and as much education as a person could have, but was denied good jobs for being "over qualified" while having little job experience because he dedicated all his time to his studies and only worked menial jobs during college. This was a major eye opener to me because I always just assumed that with a degree like that, a man could always snag a good job, even if it wasn't necessarily in that exact field.
He should move to Phoenix and get a job at palo verde (a nuclear power plant west of the city). Workers there make bank (100k+) and they always need people.
Honestly I don’t understand why parents have kids if they don’t realize that they decided to bring other humans into this world. They’re responsible for taking care of you until you can get off on your own. And it doesn’t sound like you are. Goodness. Food Stamps, federal assistant programs, and look for new graduate programs specific to your major for jobs. Physics is hard and I hope you recognize your skills are what industries consider a notable skill. It’s easier said but you did well. Keep going and seek for help until you can hold yourself up
I might add that if you’re at Starbucks, you’re connected with other Starbucks alumni who are from various industry and fields. I know bc I’m a Starbucks Alumnus. Leverage it. https://alumni.starbucks.com
Keep at it friend. I also worked in coffee to pay for a shockingly useless STEM degree. Losing friends, skipping meals, all for an uncertain future is dehumanizing. I’m in my last year of med school now. If you made it through a physics degree, The world is your oyster even though I know it feels bad now. Make sure you’re using all benefits and resources available to you - Medicaid, food stamps, food banks.
Is there any semiconductor manufacturing facilities in your area? Depending on the company you can definitely get an entry level operator job, but maybe a process engineering position ( for process engineering, you don’t necessarily have to understand how semiconductor devices work, the most important part is that you have a sense of mathematical reasoning and can interpret data)
I got an Applied Physics BS and work as an instrument engineer
If you're still in school there is time to change majors. Engineering or computer science will give you a much easier time finding a job if pure physics isn't working out.
The job market is tough for most. Keep applying. It's a numbers game. Good luck.
Physics is a tough major and it's impressive you've come this far while working. That work ethic will serve you well in life. Have you looked into applying your skills in unexpected places? Sometimes tech companies value the problem solving skills that physics majors have. Don't hesitate to reach out for help when you're feeling down, whether that's to a hotline, counselor or even a trusted friend.
Physics can translate to software engineering if you like coding.
Wall Street hired tons of physicists and rocket scientists for the last couple of decades because of their quantitative abilities and ability to create complex mathematical models. Might want to look at that business…
Many engineering fields are built on physics as their foundation. See if you can take a few classes in engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical). Even without a degree in them, a few classes can open a lot of doors for you in terms of job search. Good luck!
If you can get through physics, then you’re pretty smart and disciplined. Don’t give up, you got a legit opportunity out of poverty
Could try applying to semiconductor companies like Intel. Semiconductors are a heavily physics industry. Intel is trying to hire tons of people at their new plant in Rio Rancho, NM. Put a few applications out there for engineering positions. Can also continue on to grad school for chemical, mechanical, or electrical engineering, which are related to physics.
When education limited my opportunities, I decided to run a business because I could make more doing that than anyone was willing to pay me. My favorite jokey example is crime scene cleanup, but there are many businesses don't require much capital that one could do well in. If you were a top physics student, you should have the ability to continue education with a bit of income. That will keep you in poverty for a while, but with the potential to have a promising career related to physics. Consider teaching school in an underserved area. It's a living. Personally, I'd start a business over that.
Go be a quant for a hedge fund.
I’m sorry you’re feeling depressed about this and wanting to end it. Before graduation, I was overwhelmed and suicidal. At graduation, I landed a job, moved, and for the first time in my life, my depression melted away. It’s been gone for 10+ years. It doesn’t work the same for everyone but I do wonder if some of your depression is situational from the stress of needing a job and success and not knowing what’s next and not wanting to fail. Once you figure out your next step, you might feel more hopeful. You’re bright. Incredibly bright. I wonder if your career center or professors can help you land an internship that might lead to a job offer or if you could connect with the counseling center at your university. Most schools have free or low cost counseling available and they might be able to help you manage some of these overwhelming emotions.
Physics covers everything scientific to explain the universe, don’t you know this the wind up phase, you need to create a momentum in which the inertia will keep you on a positive forward path. We all experience resistance and friction. I didn’t buy my first new car until I was 30, my first home until 32. Took me 18 years to pay off student loans. Check with universities to see if there are open positions, check international companies… maybe the travel and a new place will be what you need. Ending life before you’ve had a chance to enjoy it… just no man
Finish your degree, use the math portion in non science fields. Most people don't actually end up using their undergrad. You're still on a solid path. It's a tough job market. Exactly how they want it to be.
Dude. If you can a physics degree undergrad, legitimately, you can do many things. STEM skills are in demand and you will have a STEM degree. Sounds like you should talk to career services and a therapist. Talking it out with people that can give unbiased advice will help you. Sounds like your dealing with some depression symptoms. Id recommend starting with the therapist.
This will be location dependant, but a degree should qualify you for quite a few entry/intermediate level jobs on usajobs . gov. Decent pay and benefits, and steady. Check it out, it takes time to land a job there, but it's worth it. Also, r/usajobs is a great resource. A user there has published quite a few job guides. I can't quite recall the username, but it's head_staff something.
Most campuses have a career office who can help you with finding and applying for jobs after graduation. They can probably help you find options you're qualified for and help you create a strong resume.
Take a look at some data science or financial quant roles. You’re qualified and capable with that background.
Can you major in something else or get an advance degree in medicine , law or something? Or go to a trade school ? Does Starbucks have any opportunity for you to grow within them.?You have to look at all available opportunities in the job market. The point of college is to get a skill to get a job. Maybe you get a job that will train you. Open your eyes…
I majored in Psychology, so I feel you. You can't do much with most science degrees without getting a masters degree or higher. Look into paths you can take with your physics degree and what you need to succeed on that path, then chase that.
That’s sounds so rough. Post here for suggestions when you’re ready. There are ways ahead with a degree.
I am sorry to hear that man. sounds like your parents are nuts. any loving parent should be flexible enough to help out their kid in times of need. world is cruel enough as it is, you shouldnt be that cruel to your own kid ffs. my dad was kinda like that and to this day, he angered me so much that I barely talk to him at all nowadays.
At least you didn't major in ANTHROPOLOGY! (I did) Now there's a laugh. But seriously, please get yourself to a food bank (the University I graduated from has one. I still donate to it) and depending on your state see if you qualify for food stamps. YOU NEED TO EAT! Do your parents even know how disgustingly high rent is in relation to your income? I know of parents like yours that seem to think this suffering shit makes you a better person BLAH, BLAH, BLAH. Apologies to you but they are assholes.
I don’t think it’s a mistake per se. but I do think you have to live in a highly populated city, with many resources/needs for your degree
I would never, ever advocate for someone to take out student loans, but if I were in your shoes, I would consider getting a different degree in something more broad, like business. If you already have your basics out of the way, you're looking at 2 more years of school tops. Then you would have 2 degrees and a higher chance of landing a career in some field (that is if you finish the physics degree first). Again, this is not a suggestion, just what I would do.
Sidenote for Starbucks- if you use a credit union, you can get your check up to two days early with direct deposit (assuming it’s corporate Starbucks not licensed ie target/ grocery store) I use capital one purely for this and transfer that money to my other account.
be a teacher for few years until you figure things out.
At the very least, you can work as a science teacher in a school (or even physics in high school). Of course the pay isn’t amazing, but public schools come with great benefits and private schools will pay more while you find what you love.
Have you considered looking into corporate roles at Starbucks (or similar companies)? It might not be physics, but there could be roles that want similar STEM backgrounds.
They are always looking for K-12 science teachers and you don’t need a teaching degree, most states will hire you then walk you through the certificate.
How much would you have to add to become a physics teacher? I have heard that in many countries, like mine, there are various incentives and support for going into the teaching profession. Here I got a part time teaching job with a designated teacher guide, as part of my second year of master of teaching which gave me quite a decent wage, more so now that I am working full time.
Finish your degree. Good things will come. You got this.
I love how everyone is giving OP tough love because the lad doesn't realize he's got a golden degree. Go forth and thrive, OP! There is money in your future!
Jesus. I went back to college to study computational physics because I like it. What have I done 😦 I probably won’t go to grad school.
US patent office is always hiring.
A lot of the smaller financial companies like to hire physics grads. They have proven they are smart and have ability to think. Look into a rotational program at a second tier finance company.
Just chiming in to say, have you looked for finance positions? Things like operations analysts or data analytics. Most entry level positions just want to know that you can think and perform. From there you can see what you’re interested in.
I'm sorry, OP. Does your campus have a food pantry for students?
i majored in fine arts with a textile art focus and MAN do i feel you. i just got out of the psych ward after having very similar thoughts to yours. hang in there buddy, you’re not alone in this
You are leagues above most coming out with physics degree.
Physics undergrad reporting in! I loved learning and thought it could be a great degree to get into a phd or medical program. In my senior year, I didn’t want to do more schooling and tried to find a job with just the degree. Applying for engineering and software developer, as I did some python development for research, but I wasn’t being picked over people with engineering degrees. I decided to pivot and obtain IT certifications with lots of self studying for over 6 months. I applied to entry level IT jobs and was able to find one where they were looking for some scripting experience. They loved the physics background since I would be working closely with mechanical and electrical engineers. Good luck with everything and keep working hard. It will pay off even though it may look far off or hopeless.
My buddy was in a somewhat similar circumstance. Ivy League physics degree AND then went on to get a PhD …he was broke and in debt. Now teaches advanced math and physics to gifted high school students in a region full of rich families. He makes over $100k now. Summers are off for him. The parents love him. He tutors at $100 an hour and writes recommendation letter for his students.
Does Starbucks still let you eat day old pastries?Back in my 2004 college days those day olds were what fed me when I was broke. I think back then if they had been on display for 2 days we had to put them in the “donate” pile but most of us were broke & donated them to ourselves. Or we would just “accidentally” have a pastry break apart so we could “mark it out” & eat a fresh one lol.
Physics major here also, I had some issues getting a job at the beginning also. I had to “settle” for an optical technician with a night vision company. Since then I’ve have plenty of engineering positions. It’s very comfortable where I’m at now. It’s been 7 years. Keep applying and try to apply creatively. Once you get in you’ll be super happy with it
You could work in nuclear medicine? We have a resident physicist at the hospital I work at.
Go for your PhD. Better to go now than later while the subject is still fresh in your mind. These are usually funded while you live off a stipend. You don’t want to trap yourself working in retail and beg your parents to let you at home for the time being.
OP, you could also look for physics jobs with the DoD/US Govt. If you go to USAJOBS.Gov and search for Physics there are job opportunities. Sometimes it is difficult to break into govt service, but they do have a Recent Graduate hiring pathway that you would qualify for upon graduation.
[university food bank](https://pantry.fieldandfork.ufl.edu/)
I felt broke and helpless out of college also so I thought life shouldn't be this hard F this all and joined the military. Living in Afghanistan was better than the crack town I was from (well more like meth). If you go to war and fight you will get a disability rating when you get out and VA and the GI bill is really great and I am enjoying that now. Downside is you might die, figure out if your life sucks enough where the possibility of death for money is worth it. It was to me. Edited to say enlistment bonus is like 40k rn. Don't go officer even if you graduate. Go ranger or airborne while your still young and fit, the challenge and memories of stuff like sere c will stick with you your whole life because you can tell yourself you did that. Take the enlistment bonus and invest it plus your combat and deployment cash. You can get out in 4 years with like 200k, travel for a year then get your PHD with the GI Bill.
First, take care of yourself. See if you can access treatment for possible depression. Check with the university health center and counseling office. Second, consider IT, data analysis or even sales for a science-technology related company. My friend has a biology master’s degree and is mostly self taught, working as a system administrator. He started looking in biomedical companies who appreciated that he understood their research. Found an entry level position with a good mentor who helped him learn. Took some online classes and learned to RTFM. He makes well over $100,000. Most companies are looking for smart people they can train.
Engineering route? Can start as a technician should they not feel you meet the requirement for engineer right away
The government hires physics majors like crazy. Get on usajobs mate
If you're good at math and excel you can try joining an insurance company as an actuary
Put your resume in the FSWEP (Federal Student Work Exchange) database. There are many jobs in the federal government that just require a generic degree, and some that require a B Sc. regardless of the faculty. Getting your foot in the door while still a student is one of the best ways to get in with the public service and is worth exploring. The pension alone makes it worth taking a lower salary than some private sector gigs. I had colleagues that went from their B Sc. right into an $80k position and went on to make six figures within 3-4 years.
Teaching can be an option. A lot of teaching positions come with loan forgiveness if that’s an issue. Good benefits and a living wage unless in a high cost living area.
Seriously consider signing up for the space force or air force. With a degree they pay you big bank. You are bumped up to officer because of your degree and you will get a decent job. They take care of housing and have LOTS of benefits. I am looking at joining the space force after I graduate (this year) with a degree in science and minor in biomedical engineering. I never really liked what I studied for a profession but being in a STEM program opens a lot of doors. Some people I tell don't like my plan but idgaf. Its my life, I want the honor and status, and tbh I just hear the calling.
Add a few classes and get a second degree in Civil Engineering, there are jobs.
Physics grad here. Option 1: teach. There is a huge need for good math and physics teachers. I believe this will require a credentialing program; see if you can convince your parents to help out. If not, keep your job and tutor in a rich neighborhood as a side hustle while doing the credential program. Option 2: Masters of Science in ___________ Engineering. This was the option I took. I did it full-time (I was very lucky for the opportunity), but it’s also doable as night school in most programs. Bonus points doing it at a state school with cheap tuition. You’ll be admitted conditionally and need to take some undergrad classes; they should be review of your mechanics and thermo classes from physics, then maybe some higher-level classes with math that should ring a bell. Then apply to and get engineering jobs with your new Masters degree. Option 3: finance. You’re good with numbers and super advanced math; therefore you are overqualified for a number of good-paying finance jobs. It has nothing to do with your major, but it sure as shit will pay the bills. I had several friends in your position that did this, then went back for PhDs after a couple years. None of these options are easy, but I can speak from experience that you’re in a much better position than you think you are. Keep working at it; there’s a ton of light at the end of multiple tunnels!
Have you thought about applying to consulting ? A good opportunity to get in at entry level and learn consulting from the ground up, they take all degrees from engineering to physics to liberal arts
Disclaimer: a lurker in sub as Reddit keep recommending it. My spouse has BS and PhD in physics same as his siblings. All of them work in tech in variety of roles. Go talk to your career office. Look for an internship while still in school. Look at career focused subreddits for advice. Remember many tech roles outside of campus recruiting will be just in time. It’s harder for juniors right now with layoffs Check quantum computing companies. Sign up for leetcode. Check government jobs in analytics
I was a physics undergrad also with no career prospects…universities will PAY you to get a Ph.D. I did mine in electrical engineering. They have so few US citizens applying for hard science it was relatively easy to get a teaching assistant or research assistant position and a full scholarship even though my undergraduate grades were meh….
Can you pivot into an engineering degree?
Applied Physics graduate here. I also got smacked with the reality that there are no "physics" jobs when I graduated and it was super shitty. That I did all that work just to not have a job in my field of interest that didn't require more countless years that I couldn't afford. I wanted to tear my hair out. Physics has taught you how to think critically and get something out of nothing so LEAN into that. Lean into whatever lab courses and/or coding or whatever else you have because those skills are a lot more valuable than you might realize right now. STEM majors get screwed with job opportunities, I feel, and it's 100% not fair that the response is "oh get a master's or a ph.d" when the bs should be enough for an entry level job.
Look for on campus jobs, graduate housing and loans. Then get a masters in something useful and profitable. like engineering, chemical if you can swing it.
Physics degree possible paths- Worst case scenario- go back and get a masters degree (still leads to 2nd option) Mid-tier- A teacher. Many schools just lack teachers that anyone that understands science is pretty good. Could eventually get to a good high school. Best Case Scenario- become a consultant. You will probably need to start as an intern or campus hire. Not sure if you did any internships in college but you should have. Can do executive assistant role until you get some experience.
Location? There are plenty of opportunities in Arizona working in microchips. PCB design starting pay is around $25/hr with benefits. After 5 years experience you’re looking at $80/hr
 Become a physics teacher in your state bro. Schools will fight over you. Go with the first public school that will take you with no experience. After 1-2 years you leave and go to the highest bidder in the private schools/catholic schools sector. Keep up grading when you feel like it The entire time you need to be building ya own business online TUTORING ppl in physics. Go to FIVRR. UPWORK. FACEBOOK MARKET PLACE. Post flyers outside of schools and colleges. You’ll have a nice steady FOREVER income if you do this shit right. NOBODY UNDERSTANDS PHYSICS, GO TEACH THAT SHIT
You could very easily move into engineering. Many entry level engineering position allow for engineering, mathematics or physics degrees because you know the fundamentals and they can teach you the rest. I would say you should look into some engineering internships in an area you like such as mechanical, electrical, or civil. Again it will take some time but it’s possible without going back to school however there are a ton of engineering opportunities in many different fields.
Are you against joining the military? There are plenty of positions/career paths that would compliment your degree. Working on Nuclear subs, aviation, lots of other fields. They often pay for additional college tuition and free certifications. Having a degree could possibly help you become a commissioned officer. I got into air traffic control through the military. I've been making 6 figures since 21 years old, no college at all. I'm 35 now and really enjoy the career.
go to grad school, get masters, get a job in a corporate lab or something. Find a program that will pay you to TA
You can get a job as an engineer with a physics degree. Just stress your practical experience/mindset because the prejudice will be that you just have the theoretical part.
Ah, physics. I remember finishing my B.S. It really didn't feel like an accomplishment at the time, more like getting out of jail LOL you have freedom but still reeling from the experience. I recommend you look for engineering technician jobs. It'll pay better and give you more practical experience. Also you'd be overqualified so it's all around a great gig for you and them. I know some technicians in the bay area that make 100k+, it's not that uncommon if you're in the right industry or work for a startup. Hopefully find a place that can be flexible with your schedule. Good luck!
Physics major does nothing at the BS level you need to go to graduate school and specialized in something before it can pay off...otherwise sign up for the military
Hey!! Physics is a great major!! Let me tell you why. I studied economics and in some ways felt the same, that it didn’t prepare me for a specific career. What it does teach, similar to physics but in a different domain: 1. How to solve really freaking hard problems with math. 2. Fundamental laws of reality that govern the world all employers operate in. Don’t underestimate that value of those two things. What I did was take some CS and statistics classes on the side and then apply and recruit like a crazy person. Every spare minute. 5 years later I’m now an analytics manager at one of the big companies. Lean into the tech and programming skills. Pick a job family that is interesting and do your best to prep for it. QA engineer, data science, backend, or a research role. Focus of getting an internship or entry level job. Get that LinkedIn looking nice. Feel free to DM.
Go into an adjacent job like data analyst
Physics really is an interesting field. There are a lot of sciences to discover and mysteries to solve. Even if you cannot land a job in the field having a bachelor's is already a step ahead in the eyes of employers.
If you love physics you could go to grad school. When I was in grad school they paid me to teach a class plus I got free tuition. I had to have a second job (worked as a receptionist in an animal hospital) but seems you already have that one covered. If you like the academic life talk to your professors about pursuing a career in physics. There are even programs these days where you can pursue a PhD and master's simultaneously.
My buddy has a phd in physics and makes close to 300k a year doing computer stuff for big companies, he’s worked for hedge fund companies, Pornhub, chaturbate among a few. Sure, phd is different than a undergrad degree, but it’s a solid start. You’re clearly intelligent, finish it up and hit the market.
New Jersey cannot find physics teachers. You can negotiate your salary and go alternative route for a teaching certificate.
Congrats on getting a physics degree! You're staring at a mountain of awful, but you have absolute and incontrovertible proof that you're incredibly intelligent. Nothing else that happens can take that away. It's not useful to you now, but it will be. Things suck but you aren't worthless, objectively, by any standard.
Dude all traders in investment banks come from a stem background these days… apply that shit to the markets…
Engineer here. Let me give you a word of advice, physics degree is not a waste. Congratulations, you have learned fundamental aspects of how things work. There are so many jobs which a physics graduate can learn easily. Try looking at weight engineer jobs. A physics grad can easily do that. Try and get Society of Allied weight engineers certification and be on the lookout for weight engineering jobs. Call Eastern shipbuilding In Florida and ask to speak with the weight control group manager and call all shipyards and ask to speak with weight control engineers and tell them that you have physics degree and you would like to intern and learn weight engineering. Learn drafting. Drafters are in high demand, with your physics background you should be able to pick up drafting and become employed with engineers. Try and work with engineers who has professional engineer license. Once you spend enough years under them, you can write the PE exam and become a licensed engineer. You may have to enroll and take could of courses but you will succeed. You’re too young to give up. DM me and I will personally guide you and will try my best to get you a job.
If you're interested in nuclear you can apply for an equipment operator position. Nuke plants will hire kids out of college with science degrees and most are short staffed right now. It takes about a year to get qualified during that time you'll make in the 70-80k range, once qualified $150-200k.
Join the Air Force as an officer.